Blog: No, you I don’t want to switch seats on this flight so your family can sit together

Can I switch seats with you?

Traveling on an airplane can be stressful enough, but for childfree/solo travelers, the added pressure of being asked to switch seats so a family can sit together can be overwhelming. In episode 47 of the Mom of None podcast, I discuss this common dilemma and explore the reasons why some travelers don't want to switch seats, the pressures and guilt-trips that are often used to convince them, and the ways we can stand up for ourselves without being rude or unkind.

One of the main reasons why childfree travelers may not want to switch seats is because they have paid extra for their preferred seat, whether it's an aisle seat, a seat with extra legroom, or a seat in the first/business class section. As I note, this doesn't make them selfish or entitled – it simply means that they have chosen to prioritize their own comfort and convenience. Unfortunately, some parents and flight attendants may use guilt-trips or emotional manipulation to try to coerce them into switching seats.

It's a reminder that being childfree doesn't mean being selfish, and that we all have the right to prioritize our own needs and boundaries while also being respectful and compassionate towards others.

Make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you know when this episode drops!